Heavy Rain (2010 Video Game) User Reviews

Like nothing you've seen for a gaming system before

[cadillac20 · 8/10 · 27 February 2010]

Heavy Rain will be a game that will divide people. Some will dislike it, feeling that it is too linear and that there is too little gameplay. Others will enjoy it for its fantastic and deep story. But, you can't deny that Heavy Rain is something new and possibly game changing. I'm on the side of those who finds this game to be fantastic with an unforgettable experience.

In the game, you play as four characters each investigating the Origami Killer, someone who has been taking young boys and drowning them. In this case, you are trying to find the whereabouts of Ethan Mars young son, Ethan Mars being one of the playable characters.

Heavy Rain once again proves that gaming can be just as good as any film out there. It is an emotional roller coaster. Despite a plodding beginning of mundane tasks, you can't help but smile at the happiness of a man playing with his children. And it weighs heavily on your soul when you have to choose between killing a man for the sake of your own child's life or letting him live because he has children of his own. These kinds of emotional peaks and valleys are at the heart of Heavy Rain, and the added factor that any of your playable characters can bite it at given points makes the game even more thoughtful. More so than any other game, you want these characters to live. And with a total of 22 different endings, anything is possible. The game also keeps itself grounded in reality. Unlike Quantic Dreams previous effort, the critically acclaimed Indigo Prophecy, or Farenheit for the European crowd, there are no aliens, cyborgs, or strange cultists. This is all about real characters facing real issues, all things we can relate to. And that may be it's strongest suit.

Where Heavy Rain lacks, obviously, is gameplay. The actually gameplay here is typically down to a few button presses or pulls of the joystick. There are times when you have free reign over the characters movement, but each area is set up like a scene in a film, so as to what you can actually do is limited. However, you do have to be careful while in these environments. Make a wrong choice, or overlook something, and the consequences could be heavy. Anyone looking for a huge amount of involvement may find themselves disappointed. This is definitely not GTA. But, to me, the game is still very much worth it. It generally takes a 60 hour rpg to reach this kind of emotional and character depth, but the game just goes to show that attaining the kind of character depth and dramatic emotions in a game that should be there isn't all that hard to achieve. It's very much possible, and that makes Heavy Rain worth playing for anyone who can. The story is also great, with some moments that will be unforgettable.

So, if you can play it, at the very least rent Heavy Rain. It's a worthwhile experience, and one you won't soon forget.

One the first major contenders for 2010's best game

[Jules45 · 10/10 · 28 February 2010]

It might leave you baffled, elated or just plain determined not to like it because you aren't blowing up people every five seconds. Yep Heavy Rain will (as expected) not be for everyone, which should be mentioned now as this game isn't for the young or inpatient. But it is everything that was hoped for and oh, so much more.

We play as four characters who are all centered around one particular lunatic who has a hobby of killing people in rain water - hence the title. Ethan Mars, is the character who seems to have the most obvious and complex problems and has to undergo some serious exertion throughout the game to the point where you think what else can they throw at him?! But obviously this is a spoiler-free review so I won't ruin the experience he can choose to take or not. The other playable characters include Scott Shelby a street hardened private detective who surprise, surprise is looking for the killer; Norman Jayden (FBI this one) also investigates the killer, mostly with his superspecs that could make Sherlock Holmes jealous. Madison Paige is our last individual who suffers crippling insomnia and finds solace by sleeping in motels, she finds herself drawn to investigating the killer.

The story is in a word: phenomenal, truly addictive gaming (take that Call Of Duty) as long as your willing to be submerged by it's complexity. But the best thing that really astounds is the huge amount of choice and the sometimes fatal repercussions it can have, it makes the game feel a lot less linear and really does ask 'How far are you willing to go to save someone you love'. Graphically it also exceeds - just take a peak at the loading screen if you are doubtful, I only found the odd hiccup while playing such as the audio occasionly stopping or the love scenes which could have been pulled off by Quantic Dream if the people didn't look like they were trying to suck the air around each other's mouths rather than kissing.

It sometimes feels hard to believe that you can be playing a game that is hugely refreshing and enjoyable despite some of the extreme lengths you have to take. The introduction and end are both oddly satisfying, it uses a cinematic start and knockout finish (no matter which one) with beautiful cut-scene's throughout. Heavy Rain is easily one of Playstation's best exclusive and a style that will hopefully inspire many more to follow its lead. To David Cage I say 'Bravo' on this masterpiece and greatly anticipate the DLC.

A game of the year and the a top game for this decade!

[SubZeroMK · 10/10 · 2 March 2010]

Heavy Rain isn't your ordinary game, it's an intense, inter-active experience that guides you into four character's worlds. You have Ethan Cole, father of two, an architect who's living his American dream. You have Agent Jayden, an FBI investigator sent to investigate the latest killing of the Origami Killer. You have Madison Page, a journalist who disguises herself as a photographer to whomever she meets, all she wants is a little inside story on a victim's father about the Origami killer, and finally you have Scott Shelby, my favourite character. A private detective for hire who's out to get leads on the Origami killer and gets closer to the truth. I won't spoil it for you, because it had me by surprise, BIG TIME.

The story shifts around chapters and events with each of the four characters to balance it out. We each get a Point Of View of how the Origami killer has or is affecting their lives. Each chapter has a very depressing tone to it, it rains nearly every single time, and the skies are cloudy, always. The game takes place in the fall season, so it's no wonder why everything is depressing, but according to the investigation, that's when the Origami killer strikes. The Origami killer takes children between ages 8 and 10 every fall, and puts them under a grated pipe with a lock. He kills them by letting the rainwater fall on them till they suffocate. That's all I will tell you for now, the rest is up to you to find out.

Writer and Game Director of Heavy Rain, David Cage writes a phenomenal story that you'd expect to see it win Oscars and Golden Globes. He manages to make you a part of the story, to draw you in. His inter-active drama is about hitting the buttons at the right time, you miss one or two, it's game over for your character, but that doesn't mean your game ends, your story will pick up on to the next 3 available characters and so on. The game is rumoured to have up to 20 different endings, which means; depending on what you do in each chapter and event to your characters or the way you interact with the other non-playable characters in the game; it WILL effect your ending.

This game screams re-playability. Sometimes you wish you hadn't made a choice in one event and you want to go back, well, you can always restart from that chapter and it will erase all your progress that you are currently on, or play the game naturally to see one of the many endings this game presents you with. This game will revolutionize the gaming industry forever and it should. It should inspire other game developers to make you have a more thorough choice and consequence system. Some RPG's do that, but are they nearly as detailed as Heavy Rain? I think not. This game will win a few awards and will be nominated for game of the year 2010. It will win in the male and female voice acting department, because all the actors behind the mo-cap suit are under-rated actors. Especially Agent Jayden, I love his east coast accent, it makes him sound legit, he even looks the part too even though his mo-cap actor is fully European.

So, if you haven't purchased this game, then you're missing out on the game of the year and the game of the decade on a top 10 list. This remarkable game gets my 10/10 for originality, no movie can do this, because it would have to have many different versions of it. Harold and Kumar 2 has an inter-active feature similar to Heavy Rain if you rent the blu-ray, but nowhere near the depth of detail of Heavy Rain. But it does use the same concept, except without pressing timed buttons, just selecting what they will do next. It gets 10/10 for voice acting; some of the best voice acting I've seen so far in a video game, it's so believable as if they were real people. Like I said, Agent Jayden is an under-rated actor as well as the man behind Scott Shelby. Hopefully this game has shun a spotlight for them to act in Hollywood because they truly are gifted individuals. 10/10 for the concept. It plays like no other game has played before. You're taken in to the story and characters, the choices you make will affect the next set of events and ending. The button timers are also a plus to the events and actions your character is doing at the moment, whether it's life or DEATH.

Finally, the game gets a 10/10 for a masterpiece of a story. Even though you can change fates and endings, the background plot that connects everything is phenomenal! The game lets you discover who the Origami killer is on his own, and even if you can't figure it out, its revelation is nuts, it hits you real hard because you wouldn't believe that, that kinda person is the Origami killer. Like I said, I won't spoil, you MUST find this out on your own. It took me by surprise big time. The story makes you like the Origami killer before the character is revealed to be that killer, then when you find out. BAM! Big surprise, your face will literally change, your eyes will widen in awe and you'll say "holy sh*t, I can't believe I never saw this". But the important question this game/story asks us is: How far are you willing to go to protect the one you love? This game will makes you answer that, but also, think about it in real life. If something happened to the one you loved dearest, how far would you go to protect them?

An extraordinary game

[freemantle_uk · 10/10 · 3 July 2010]

Before it's release in March 2010 there was already a massive amount of buzz to the release of Heavy Rain, impressing at video games conferences, including E3 when it's film rights in 2006. This was a game that promised a truly interactive experience.

In an unnamed Eastern American city, the Origami Killer is stalking the streets. His modus operandi

is to kidnap young boys in the autumn and place them in a well until their drown from rain water: so they usually have about 3 to 6 days to live. In 2011 he continues and the games focuses on 4 characters. Ethan Mars (Pascal Langdale) is an architect whom oldest son died and lives a depressed live. He is distant to his younger son Shaun. But when Shaun is kidnapped by the Origami Killer Ethan has to go through a series of Saw like trials set up by the Killer for clues to his son's whereabouts. Norman Jayden (Leon Ockenden) is an FBI profiler sent to help the police with their investigation. He has to find clues and suspects as he battles against his police partners and his own drug addiction. Madison Paige (Judi Beecher) is a journalist who suffers from insomnia. She befriends Ethan and conducts her own investigation to help him, using her contacts and journalistic instincts. Finally there is Scott Selby (Sam Douglas), a private detective who has been asked by the victims' families to investigate the case. He asks the parents of the victims questions and suspects the son of a powerful millionaire. He is also befriended by the mother of one of the victims, Lauren Winter (Aurélie Bancilhon), who forces herself on Scott as a partner. They all race against time to save Shaun Mars and find the killer.

The big selling point of Heavy Rain is that the player makes their own way throughout the game, with every decision he/she makes will have an influence on the outcome. If a character dies in the game their stay dead, there are no extra lives. This is a game where you have to conduct actions for the investigation, sometimes, you it won't let you move forward until you do a certain task, but also miss things that could have consequences afterwards. The other part of the gameplay are real time action scenes where you would need to do the right command in the middle of say a fight or a chase scene. If it goes wrong then you character may die. The gameplay was very similar to Shenmue, one of the best games that was made for the Dreamcast; but there is more threat in Heavy Rain and some of the interesting aspects are hearing the characters' thoughts and taking a conservation in a different direction. The game also has multiple endings, depending what happens to the characters, on whether they live, are arrested or pick up enough clues. It a good reason to play the game many times over.

The other excellent element is the story, which could have worked as a film. It is dark, violence, but mostly has a good combo of down-to-earth realism to more over-the-top elements you would expert in a computer game, e.g. the electric maze. The tone is much like a film noir, with dark complex characters with interesting backstories, particularly Ethan's. Many cut-scenes in games annoy some people, but in this game they are important and it adds to the cinematic nature of the game. There is a great voice acting in the game. Langdale is the best as the emotional depressed but driven man who feels the guilt of loosing both his sons. Hopefully his live-action acting is just as good.

But there isn't complete freedom that is promised. There are still scenes that you are forced to go through and there is not much change in the outcome of some events. If the game was able to combine Shenmue's fights, Heavy Rain's multiple ending and storyline and the Sandbox environment of the Grand Theft Auto and other Rockstar games then you would have the perfect game: besides the Football Manager and Total War series.

Heavy Rain Review

[Moviememmer · 30 October 2019]

Pros:

• Great story & characters
• Challenging choices
• Pretty good graphics
• Great plot twists
• Great music

Cons:

• Slow start to story
• Some story plot-holes
• Few bugs and glitches

Verdict: Another Quantic Dream game that conducts a great story with sympathetic protagonist that keeps you glued to the game. Thou with a slow start may push people away, the game delivers soon after.

8.5/10

The best movie I've ever played!!!

[ichwan_mil · 10/10 · 22 May 2012]

Let's figure this: you have been dreaming of become a a movie star for a long time, and then someone offers you to star in his adventure movie, and you accept it. This is the case of Heavy Rain.

Heavy Rain is a video game - and a movie at the same time, with brilliant combinations of drama, action, adventure, and thriller elements. It has gorgeous graphics with amazing attention to the smallest details, terrific atmosphere, great audio, and one of the most sophisticated storyline ever released as a video game, no one even comes close to it. And get this: no superhero, no alien, no monster, no future setting, no demons, no magic spells - it is about several (well, OK, four) ordinary people deal with extraordinary situations, set in our time.

Well, honestly, Heavy Rain may not be the game for everyone. If you're more into shooting and slashing spree from the start (Ninja Gaiden, everyone?), this game might bore you as hell because it does have its slow-paced moments, especially at the beginning. But now I'm talking movie here, and since I said that this game qualifies as a movie too, let me remind that even fast-paced action movies may be slow at times, so it might be a good excuse to give this game a go.

The actions are simply based on moving and quick time events. No worries of memorizing combos and complicated button assignments here...you will spend more time watching than actually pressing the buttons to play...well, that's one more reason why I call this game a movie.

If you plan to grab a copy, pick the Heavy Rain Move Edition. It is basically the same game with tons of extras: PS Move support (as the title says), nice theme for your PS3, bonus tracks, some behind the scene and promotional footage, and the biggest one - in my opinion that is -, Taxidermist side-story (originally released as DLC) to feed your adventure fetish a bit more after you finish the game - that's ALL in one box.

So adventure PS3 gamers (if you don't have a PS3 then it is not your lucky day) rejoice, for you're on one - no - two really nice treats this time: it is a great game as well as a marvelous movie. What are you waiting for? Go to the nearest store, pick a copy,provide a nice couch along with some snacks, spare some times, and get ready to star in your own movie!

Best PS3 game of 2010, hands down.

[justin-fencsak · 10/10 · 10 July 2010]

When 10 years from now someone looks back at the past decade in gaming, one ps3 game stands out...Heavy Rain. A choose-your-own adventure type of game, this film-noir interactive drama centers around the Origami Killer, who spies on kids and leaves an origami on their trail. You play the role of various characters. It's not easy or hard. It's how you play the game. The game will end quickly if all of the main characters die if you choose different paths. The graphics are pretty good, the sound excellent (minor audio glitches), and the controls are really excellent. Trophies are also good as you can get plenty of them to level up your trophy profile. Definitely worth getting it for $60. Highly recommended.

Ambitious 'thriller' has to be admired for its vision

[Danny_G13 · 8/10 · 2 April 2010]

I use the word 'thriller' as normally one doesn't associate that word with a video game, rather a movie or TV show. But the lines between interactive and passive entertainment have been blurring for some considerable time now, and Heavy Rain is the latest evolution of this.

From the same director and software house who brought us the 'infamous' Fahrenheit, notorious for its 'Simon Says' style of interaction, Heavy Rain shares this same basic game mechanic of following on screen prompts to engage particular actions. If you're near a chair, pressing the instruction cue, such as the right stick up, will see the character interacting with the chair, possibly by sitting, maybe by leaning on it.

And this simple yet extremely effective way is the model for the whole game. There is no 'forward back left and right with jump punch' type of control, instead movement is facilitated by R2 acting as a pseudo 'accelerator' and the left stick guiding the player - it's clunky, and at times obstructive, but it just about does the job.

As for the actual plot, because let's face it, that's the point of the game, to be a story, Heavy Rain follows the pursuit, by 4 main characters, of a notorious serial killer called the Origami Killer who is kidnapping and drowning young children. Suffice to say our heroes become embroiled in his latest kidnap and it becomes a race against time and rain (that will become clear later).

The ultimate question we have to ask ourselves, as to whether we like this game or not, is what we expect of it.

Is it the evolution and revolution of gaming that it promised to be? Probably not - it is let down by some mechanical failures, plot holes wide enough to fit the Titanic through, and a fair number of event/dialogue contextual gaps which make little sense at the time.

But inasmuch as these irritate, Quantic Dreams have to be applauded for trying. And trying really hard. Yes, the story and plot would have benefited from being proof read by professionals, but anyone looking that deep for flaws is missing the point - the game tries to do something quite different, quite radical, and involving of the player in ways not seen before by other games.

Heavy Rain does not hit the mark in everything it does, but it comes close overall, and is a worthy attempt at doing something dramatic and different in a gaming market which is in danger of becoming sterile.

When it rains - it pours

[kosmasp · 10/10 · 12 May 2021]

Or something like that. The game at hand here is quite unique, although the one responsible for the game is known to make games as intriguing as the one right here. The inciting incident here is quite ... harrowing to say the least! It really gives you the chills. And it drives the story and the characters forward ... it also has ... well I'd advice not to read too much about the story, because the way it evolves and the twists and turns ... you have to experience them! Truly great game to say the least.

In Fahrenheit you only played one character and this is the first game you jump back and forth, changing the perspective you have and bringing quite the unique flavor into the game too. If you like story driven games, you will love this. Most of the things are QTE events and decisions you have to make .. which is not something everyone loves ... but those who do ... they'll more than cherish this.

An incredible game that became one of my favorites!

[Lady_Targaryen · 10/10 · 7 October 2010]

'Heavy Rain' is a drama game that turns around the death of many young boys, with ages between 8 to 13 years old, that were murdered by a killer known as the ' origami killer', that always let an origami in the hand of the victim and an orchid in his chest. Another trait of the killer, is that all boys are found drowned.

Ethan Mars, our leading man, is in search of his son Shawn, that is probably a victim of the origami killer. Besides him, we also play with the private detective Scott Shelby, the journalist Madison Paige and Norman Jayden (my personally favorite character!), a FBI agent.

Heavy Rain is a game that looks very similar to a movie, where the player decide which actions the characters are going to make, changing the course of the story and also the ending. In this game, you are also allowed to play with all the protagonists of the story. 'Heavy Rain' has beautiful graphics and the feeling you have is that you are watching a Blu Ray movie; The actors that were casted are identical to the characters (specially the actor who plays Shelby, Sam Douglas) too!

I love games that gives us, players, liberty to control the actions of the characters. But don't think this game is only based in doing decisions: the player needs to be astute and some practice to not commit errors in the commands, not to mention that you need to pay attention in the story to not miss details and get compromised.

I recommend this game for anyone who wants to play an incredible and totally different game! If you have a PS3, don't let this game scape your hands!

An ambitious, thrilling and interesting video-game, "Heavy Rain" twists the format around by becoming more of an interactive-movie than a full-fledged game- and it is amazing!

[TedStixonAKAMaximumMadness · 10/10 · 16 February 2012]

I really don't know whether to review David Cage's 2010 PS3 release "Heavy Rain" as I would a video game, or as I would a film. The game is a unique exercise and experiment that further blurs the thin lines between the mediums of games and films. (A line that has been continuously blurred over the past 10 years, as many video games deliver compelling plots and intriguing characters that are beyond the processed, sanitized crud that Hollywood spoon-feeds the public... There have been games with Hitchcockian levels of suspense and storytelling lately.) Indeed, the game is, more or less, an interactive movie. You spend about a third of the game watching scenes go by as you would a film, taking control of the characters at points to interact with others, explore areas, and looking for clues. It is very much like one of those "Choose Your Own Adventure" books you'd read as a child (your choices affect the outcome of the story, with dozens of different endings), although this is a very mature, adult tale of love and sacrifice.

Pascal Langdale provides the voice (and motion capture) for out main character Ethan Mars, a man who lost one of his two sons in a tragic accident that also put him in a coma for a period of time. When his only other son is kidnapped by the infamous "Origami Killer" (so-called because he leaves an Origami figure in the hands of his victims), and he gets a box of clues beckoning him to a series of demented tests in order to save his son, he must go on a treacherous journey to get his son back.

The player also controls three other characters at times, including Scott Shelby (Sam Douglass), a private investigator hired by families of the victims of the killer. Maddison Paige (Jacqui Ainsley), a beautiful young journalist whom meets Ethan and tries to assist him. And Norman Jayden (Leon Ockenden), an FBI agent whom is brought in to help with the investigation, who hides a severe drug addiction from everyone else.

These four characters all have compelling story lines in their own rights, and together, they form a marvelous cast for our story, which is essentially a mystery/suspense tale of Ethan trying to get his son back, and the others all trying to find the identity of the killer. The plot is loaded with cunning twists and turns (including a climactic twist near the end that I didn't see coming and pulled the rug out from under me), and as said before, is the sort of classic, Hitchcock story that movies just don't give us anymore.

I will now break down the game by it's various aspects...

Graphics... 8 out of 10 The character models for our four main characters are stunning and quite lifelike. Environments are generally brilliantly realized, and secondary characters also look convincing. This is a gorgeous, life-like game. It does lose a few points for two reasons- 1) some scenes with vaster scopes do look clunky (large crowds in the game look cartoony and unrealistic, and some textures pop in and out), and 2) the design of the game isn't very convincing. This game is supposed to take place in the US, but you can tell it was made by Europeans- it isn't realistically designed at times.

Sound... 10 out of 10 Normand Corbeil's orchestral score for this game is incredible. One of the finest scores in gaming history, in my opinion, and one of those rare scores in games that feels like it would fit into a Hollywood film. It is very emotional, tragic, and suspenseful. In addition, the voice acting on everyone's part is perfect. Everything clicks in the sound department.

Controls... 9 out of 10 The controls are difficult to master (having to hold "R2" to walk feels... wrong), and are very simplistic. To be honest, you could probably play this game with one hand at times. As this is more of an "interactive movie", there isn't much button mashing or anything like that- this is a game where you will occasionally need to hit a few buttons, or use some quick reflexes. But once you get past the eccentricities of the control scheme, you will find it works darn-near perfectly! (With the exception of a few moments where you are suddenly required to press and hold about seven different buttons at once, which are frustrating as heck!)

Story... 10 out of 10. As I said above, it is a strong mystery/suspense tale. A serial killer known as the "Origami Killer" has been kidnapping young boys and drowning them in rainwater over the course of several days. Ethan Mars, the father of his latest kidnapping victim has only a few days to save his son.

Overall... 10 out of 10.

This is a unique game. It certainly isn't for everyone (I know more than one person who adores it, and I also know more than one person who loathes it), and it feels like an enormous experiment, albeit an incredible one. I love this game. And I highly recommend it!

Heavy consequences!

[AvionPrince16 · 9/10 · 25 August 2021]

What a very good movie and have some strong moments. The investigation of the murder was very interesting and we want to know the killer until the end. It was a very good experience with some very interesting characters. The revelation at the end let us speechless and make the whole game make us seen antoher perspective that we didnt think about. Very clever video game and very good narrative that keep us engage. And the choices can have strong consequences. And the different ending can make us wanted to see all the end possible. And they have a lot !. An unforgettable video game for sure.

Fierce game play overshadows loopholes in plot and mundane moments

[sashank_kini-1 · 7/10 · 22 May 2010]

Heavy Rain is perhaps one of the most exciting games I have played. It is a atypical roller-coaster of a game that provides some of the best action and intensive moments that one can rejoice. Its atypical because I have never seen more character control in a PS3 game that influences the entire plot than this one. There are action-packed adrenaline boosting sequences like the Mad Doctor one, the Save Shaun sequence, the reverse-driven car sequence etc that simply accentuate the progress in gaming world that has been made possible due to advancement in technology.

As a fan of Sims game, I have always been in favor of a game that gives players liberty to control the thoughts and actions of a character. In the previous GTA games, one could not do much to the storyline because the player had no choice. However, in GTA4, the progressive nature made it possible to influence the plot-line. Still, it did not give the amount of liberty that this game has provided.

In terms of presentation, the game-play is polished and pristine. The graphics are superlative for such a game. I could forgive the somewhat expressionless crowd and uncontrollable characters as the focus in this game is on the main ones. However, if a Rockstar had made this game, it would've unconditionally ensured that every single character was given certain life and importance. Yet, the presentation is chic and slick.

The beginning of the game gives an insight into the lives of the principle character, Ethan. His two sons, Shaun and Jason and his wife live a happy and peaceful life in their huge bungalow. The very first scene introduces the gamer to an exquisite method of game-play, in which each and every button has different uses. However, I advice beginners and novice game-players to browse the manual as I too was having a bit of confusion regarding the buttons at first, especially when I had to help Ethan's wife to carry the grocery bags and got confused regarding the buttons.

The game-play never concedes to repetition and continually shifts from one scenario to another. I took time in saving Norman and he died. The game didn't wait for me to save him. But the game does give us time during sticky situations and it is up to us to decide the fate of the characters. A brusque intro is given for each character and in a few moments, the player is immersed into a fascinating world that is profoundly satisfying and emotionally draining. Your throat gets all heavy at times and this is the first time this has happened to me.

There are a few plot-holes however in the game. The ending at times seems a bit implausible especially since one is given so much control into the killer's mind. In a "Murder of Roger Ackroyd"esquire manner, the killer turns out to be one of the main characters who is a part narrator too. Since the player is given extreme control of him throughout the game including an insight into his thoughts, I found certain discrepancies in his thoughts and actions. It also happens with other players as at times, I make them think something else and respond in the opposite manner and it happens. Like when Norman has the choice to kill or subjugate on the suspects, he thinks for the former choice but implements the latter.

The control system is a bit wonky too. I especially was a bit annoyed when I did press the button or push the analog stick in the directed manner and yet didn't manage to get it right. Its because at times, one tends to continue his previous action for a longer time and when he does react to the next action, his previous action his taken into consideration. For example, I was told to press X button and in a trifle moment later, I was told to press triangle button but the game considered my X at that time and I got it wrong when I pressed triangle button. However, this can be forgiven due to the vast nature of the game. You can play it deftly or unskillfully, both yield different results. I was a bit apprehensive about the maneuvering though, because the prospect of pressing L2 and then controlling seemed a bit redundant.

The graphics are brilliant and the facial details and intricacies are commendable. The nudity doesn't seem too vulgar like the GTA games. The breasts of Madison are neatly detailed and don't make her look like a "night-slave" at all. It all seems so cinematic it would've qualified for a movie. There are some hiccups though, especially in the camera angles as it kept me moving in circles when I had to keep shifting the angles. Also, my save file got effaced completely once and this hasn't happened in the other games at all.

The game-play is fantastic, as I have mentioned on numerous occasions. The game-play may dull down at times, especially during the beginning and in the middle but this happens if one plays the game multiple times. That brings me to another fault of this game. The re-playability value is less, one the player has done the game. I kept experimenting with the endings by altering the final stages rather than playing the entire game again. I still am not very keen to play this game from square one.

The sound is brilliant at times and terse at others. "JASON!!!" is memorable but the slip-up in accents and delivery may be a bit of a putt-off. The background sound nails it perfectly though. The action could never be so exciting and chilling if it weren't for the sound.

Presentation: 9/10 Graphics: 8/10 Sound: 8/10 Game-play: 7.5/10 Re-playability: 6/10 Overall: 7/10

Not so heavy

[Zuqokami · 4/10 · 21 October 2014]

(Pros) +Sound effects +Choices that matter +Fluid NPC movements +Lighting +Soundtrack +Multiple outcomes +Atmosphere +Rain

(Cons) -Nerve-wracking voice acting, especially the children's -Cheesy storytelling -Weak story -Full of clichés -Unnecessary scenes -Irrational changes in behavior of some of the characters -Scenes involving children are extremely cheesy and unrealistic -Annoying dialogues -Controls -Generic ending/credits music, which was really disappointing compared to rest of the soundtracks. -Did I mention the voice acting is unbelievably terrible?

In the end, Heavy Rain isn't at all what it pretends to be.

Underrated - Part 2

[shahabaz · 10/10 · 29 December 2019]

I have Written a Review about LA Noire (2011), about how Underrated Game it was, a Few Minutes ago. This game is also a Underrated Gem. This game more like Interactive Game rather than Gameplay. Ur Choice and actions will Decide the Fate of the Characters and Story. So choose, wisely!

Incredible game

[killfaxa · 10/10 · 23 March 2022]

Heavy Rain has to be my favorite game of all time, awesome story telling, the atmosphere of the game is to die for. The storyline is absolutely immersive. Towards the mid-end of the game I felt like I was constantly on the edge of my chair. 1000/10.

New player; pleasantly surprised.

[hamstersinwigs · 8/10 · 8 December 2019]

I never played this game when it came out but I, an obsessive, found myself in possession of Detroit: Become Human a couple of months ago (thanks psn), and after bleeding that utterly dry I thought I'd give this a crack. Honestly, not disappointed. Well, maybe a bit; I liked the flowchart in Detroit (as mentioned, obsessive), and this doesn't have that, but I'll live.

Firstly, it's old and it shows. I didn't have any idea HOW old until I came on here though, it's aged really quite well considering.

The controls are a bit dodgy in places, lots of flipping around, not quite facing in the right direction which is annoying, but fortunately that's not generally much of a problem considering you're usually only walking around freely when not much is happening; if you can take occasionally bumping into doorframes it's fine. The action sequences are all QTE so it's not like you're going to accidentally punch yourself in the face (someone else might if you don't have muscle memory though).

I can't judge the graphics fairly because I never saw it new. By today's standards they're not great, but they're not the worst thing I've seen either. I got icked out by the uncanny valley a few times but Detroit did that to me too, I think maybe it's just the stylistic choice. The lighting, effects, set composition, and general atmosphere are actually still really visually pleasing in my opinion; you can tell they went all out there.

I've seen the voice acting mentioned here repeatedly and it didn't bother me at all, but I'm not American. If you are, I spose it could sound as bad to you as it sounds to me when you try to sound English. Not sure why they cast a bunch of barely known English actors to play Americans in a French game...cost? Dry humour? No idea.

The story is good. It's not groundbreaking or anything, but it's solid. There are some plot issues and some wtf moments but name me a game without any. The characters are a bit shallow, but generally likeable. On the negative, I think for today's audience the women getting shower scenes and sidelined would probably cause a fuss (maybe it already has, idk, I don't have the mental energy for that side of the Internet).

Overall, good game, aged well(ish), more engaging through character driven narrative than by gameplay but that makes a fun change. If, like me, you played Detroit, liked it, and that's why you're here, go for it, it's obviously it's predecessor. Can't say much more on it really.

Genius storytelling!

[Analog_Devotee · 9/10 · 3 August 2021]

While some of the voice-acting in this game isn't the greatest, literally every other aspect of the game is. I hadn't seen suspense cultivated in a game so effortlessly since Silent Hill 2... and that's saying A LOT. Anyone who loves gritty storytelling deserves to experience this game firsthand. Do yourself a favor and track it down -- you won't be the same afterwards!

Heavy rain is brilliant!!!.

[killfair · 10/10 · 5 March 2010]

NOTE:::This is a review not a synopsis.

Wow just WOW this interactive drama is just amazing word's cannot

describe how well done this game is.

PRO'S The story is the better than most film's out there. PRO'S Character' are brilliant and you really care for them and it's hard to pick a favorite as they are all great!.

PRO'S Great graphic's but they don't matter although there the best out there. Pro's Situation's that make you sweat as they are too intence. PRO'S the game's twist's are very good. Pro's More adult and mature Game's are finally getting mature.

Con's The screen tearing is a bit annoying but nothing major. Con's the Viove actor's aren't that good although the acting is.

Overall this is epic and if you own a Playstation 3 purchase Heavy rain. 10/10

Parent beware!! This game is NOT for kid's the game does not have much violence but the murderer in this game is a person that drown's children. and either way it will most likely bore children.

BUY THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!

Why I love this Game. Warning contains major spoilers

[dribiscute · 10/10 · 14 March 2010]

I love this game!!! This is why. Picture YOU are a 35 year old successful Architect, living in a nice house with your wife (Grace) and two sons (Jason and Shaun). Life is perfect. Then out of the blue tragedy, your elder son (Jason) gets ran over by a car and you are in a coma for six months. Your life has changed forever, your wife has left you and you are now living with your younger son in a run down house. To top that off your younger son is about to be kidnapped by the Origami killer and you must do a number of trials to locate him to get him back. The way that the game makers have presented this storyline, with the music and the awesome animation it gets you to really feel for the characters, especially for Ethan. Because of that, personally, i am having a really hard time to fail the game to get the remaining trophies just because i don't want to see Ethan fail and Shaun die.

Best David Cage game by a mile

[sigurjone96 · 10/10 · 6 July 2023]

Wow. This game isn't even considered like your standard video game. It's an interactive movie where your choices all matter and determine the outcomes later on in the story. The plot is so incredible and deep. The mystery is amazing not knowing who the Origami Killer is until the very final moments. People complaining about tiny aspects of this title and nitpick it to pieces are usually incredibly insecure and overbearing and should not be playing it.

Four lead characters Ethan Mars, Madison Paige, Scott Shelby and Norman Jayden. Out of all of them I found it most entertaining as playing the FBI agent. He was so cool, epic, relaxed and charismatic. Amazing person there. Madison & Ethan are incredible protagonists too. Scott is a very old school by the book type of character but still has his input and fits well in the game.

Some of the side characters frustrated me a lot especially a crooked cop called Lieutenant Carter Blake. His abusive work methods and beating up suspects and witnesses was very cruel and hard to watch. Mad Jack is another violent character who becomes a thorn in one of Norman's chapters. A mafia family is also in it who have some guilt involving the case. Scott is trying to link them especially a wealthy son to one of the murders.

A creepy old doctor attempts to drug Madison and kill her if you don't leave the house immediately after waiting for a prescription (the actor is a very nice talented man and played a role in a previous title Indigo Prophecy as the Oracle). David Gasman plays a sleazy nightclub owner called Paco but he's been involved with Cage since the beginning voice acting some great characters like Lucas Kane for example.

The plot is basically that there's a serial killer on the loose hunting down young boys (6-10 year old at most) and murdering them by drowning them in rainwater underneath a sewer well pretty grim. Ethan is trying to find his lost son but is interrupted and chased by the police after his former divorced wife accuses him of being The Origami Killer. So in the end Ethan tries desperately to avoid and escape the cops to the best of his abilities for as long as he can.

The romance is beautiful and very tastefully done. Nudity isn't overly gratuitous or perverse and extremely normal (Ethan & Madison get naked when entering the shower), flows great with the plot. A well needed distraction from the bleak tone of the direction and writing. Didn't feel uncomfortable even if the game gets overly criticized and slandered for its tame sexual content which is absurd and wrong. It was not even close to be too much to handle or gross. Opposite of that.

A lot of the dialogue is very good and the conversations are meaningful and feel like they serve a purpose to the story. The major themes in it are drama, thriller, mystery, crime and sci-fi. The visual effects are outstandingly good for 2010 and breath so much life and vividness to it. Soundtrack is epic and powerful like is expected of Quantic Dream. Normand Cobeil makes some of the most heroic soundtrack ever here.

All in all an absolute masterpiece by David Cage I was so invested in it and felt like such a good journey (and a destination if you get the good endings). Million of different outcomes through it, makes Detroit: Become Human look like some cheap package considering that it doesn't have that many different paths it's very scripted. Here everything always feels on the line the suspense is so much.

Only game I feel like comes close to this is Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy which is another excellent game by David Cage. Unforgettable experience this ride a bit depressing but so memorable and emotional. A must play for any hardcore gaming fan who enjoys the best storytelling. Legendary work by a master. Recommend it to everyone because it is that engaging and captivating.

Seeing it having a 8.8 rating on IMDB is really satisfying but I remember it having 8.9 at one point and it deserves to have at least 9 or over for being such an iconic and a pioneer game within the game industry. It feels like a perfectly written and crafted crime novel only in video game form.

The fact that overrated games like TLOU2 despite being heavily controversial and having questionable themes, overly disturbing & graphic (with its violence) and hated for its constant misandry & brutal mistreatment of a vital character, sacrificing a lot of male people left and right just for Abby's and Ellie's stories to continue and bleak storytelling discourtesy of Neil Druckmann has the same rating and more votes than this masterpiece is just insulting to Quantic Dream and David Cage especially knowing that Heavy Rain is so, so much better, has more quality and value to its name and has a much more sophisticated plot than just hateful vengeful revenge kind of storytelling. I would arguably say that Heavy Rain is about desperation, loss, hope and despair. Very mature tones. TLOU2 relies only on shock factor, graphic imagery and treats the player base like idiots with its direction.

Heavy Rain is one of those games that put narrative driven and decision making games on the map and we should all be thankful for that. Easily one of the most impactful and relatable titles ever created so good. Multiple scenarios and intense sequences with great writing and solid direction. There are plot holes & inconsistencies here and there but they are so minor you are completely willing to forgive them. Can't wait for Star Wars: Eclipse. I love that David Cage leaves the game open to interpretation to the player and keeps mystery so solid and interesting. For me that's creativity done masterfully.

10/10.

Unexpected greatness

[Badr90s · 9/10 · 4 October 2021]

Dark crime driven story with plot twists emotional moments and nice interactive gameplay, it was maybe the first time I see such an interactive game turns to be a triple A especially the graphics was great as a 2010 PS3 game.

God Bless Scott Shelby

[nathancole-73973 · 6/10 · 17 September 2019]

If Scott Shelby wasn't in this game, it would be a 3/10. I love punching people.

This is terrible

[arturdiz · 3/10 · 25 December 2020]

Heavy Rain is one of the worst video games I have ever played. The story is absolutely ridiculous and stupid straight from the prologue. The acting is TERRIBLE, you cannot take any of the main characters seriously. About the characters, they're terrible. Ethan is a terrible father and definitely the one to blame for Jason's death, he can't watch his son for a single minute. The detective is bland and his twist later on is awful. Madison and the FBI guy are completely forgetable as well. If you want a comedy, this game is good due to complete nonsensical plot and horrible acting, but if you want a crime drama, like it's advertised as, stay far away from this.

How far will you go for someone you love?

[RiceBunnyx · 10/10 · 26 July 2011]

This isn't a game, it's an interactive movie. I enjoy playing video games in my free time, but I have never found one that I have really gotten into. But 2010 brought Heavy Rain, a fantastic masterpiece from Quantic Dream! The psychological journey hits you deep with a mixture of violence, emotion and passion.

The story follows starts with Ethan Mars, who's oldest son is hit and killed by a car one day at the mall Two years later, he has a miserable life, carrying the guilt of his son's death, divorced from his wife and distant from his remaining son, Shaun. But when Shaun is kidnapped by the mysterious Origami Killer, Ethan embarks on a dangerous journey and is forced to partake in five brutal trials in order to gain letters to a hangman that will reveal Shaun's location. But time is short, and Ethan has only four days to find Shaun alive.

As time goes on, Ethan meets Madison Paige, an insomniac photojournalist who crosses paths with the wounded Ethan after the first trial. She helps him recover and soon finds herself conducting her own investigation to find the Origami Killer.

Also on the case is FBI Profiler Norman Jayden, sent in from Washington to help with the Origami Killer case. Teamed up with the aggressive Liutenant Carter Blake and armed with his awesome ARI sunglasses, Jayden slowly becomes obsessed with the investigation, as well as fighting his own personal battle with his addiction to Triptocaine, which could ultimately lead to his death if not controlled.

And last, but not least is Private Detective Scott Shelby, hired by the families of the victims of the Origami Killer. His main suspect his Gordi Kramer, the playboy son of millionaire business man Charles Kramer. Aiding him in his investigation is Lauren Winter, whose son was a recent victim of the Origami Killer.

The four of them are suddenly thrown into the twisted world of the Origami Killer, each battling for their lives against criminals, hit men, and finally, the Origami Killer himself.

Who will survive? You decide..